If you’re looking for a creamy, comforting meal that combines the rich flavors of Alfredo sauce with the freshness of garden vegetables, you’re in the right place! This easy Alfredo pasta and vegetables dish is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Packed with vibrant veggies and tossed in a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nutrition.
This dish is incredibly versatile—you can swap in your favorite vegetables or use whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the family to eat more veggies without compromising on the creamy pasta experience everyone loves.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward, quick, and rewarding. Let’s dive into making this delightful Alfredo pasta and vegetables recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find components. Most are pantry staples or fresh produce from your local market.
Quick to prepare: From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
Customizable: Use broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any veggies you prefer. You can also make it vegan or dairy-free with a few substitutions.
Comfort food with a healthy twist: Creamy Alfredo sauce meets nutrient-packed vegetables for a balanced plate.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine or your favorite pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream (or use coconut cream for vegan)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan Parmesan alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional for warmth)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Colander
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater for cheese
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Make the Alfredo sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with vegetables. Stir and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
- Add cheese and season: Slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce with vegetables evenly distributed.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
If you want to add protein, grilled tofu, chickpeas, or cooked chicken pieces work wonderfully.
Try roasting your vegetables before adding them to the sauce for deeper flavor. Roasted garlic also adds a lovely, mellow sweetness.
For extra freshness, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the finished dish or add lemon zest to the sauce.
Explore more creative pasta ideas in our Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Fat | 18 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Nutrition values vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size. Using vegan cream alternatives may alter fat and calorie content.
Serving Suggestions
This Alfredo pasta and vegetable dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread for a classic Italian touch. For a lighter option, serve with steamed asparagus or a simple tomato and cucumber salad.
To elevate your meal, try a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the creamy sauce without overpowering the fresh vegetables.
For more vegetable-forward dishes that complement this meal, check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.
Conclusion
This easy Alfredo pasta and vegetables recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a comforting, creamy dish without sacrificing nutrition or flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables and a rich, cheesy sauce creates a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe is sure to please with its simplicity and versatility. Plus, it’s a great introduction to making homemade Alfredo sauce that you can customize endlessly.
Be sure to experiment with different vegetable combinations and see how this dish fits beautifully into your regular dinner rotation. For more delicious, easy recipes that celebrate vegetables and flavor, explore our collection of vegetarian and vegan dishes linked above!
📖 Recipe Card: Alfredo Pasta and Vegetables
Description: A creamy and easy-to-make Alfredo pasta dish loaded with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add broccoli, mushrooms, and bell peppers; cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 480 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 25 g | Carbs: 45 g
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